The 37-year-old Oscar-winning actress, who raises six children with Pitt, revealed to the world that she had both of her breasts removed in February as a preventative measure after doctors warned her she carries the 'faulty' gene Brca1, reported the New York Times.

The 'Fight Club' star has released a statement thanking his partner for going ahead with surgery for the sake of their children.

"Having witnessed this decision firsthand, I find Angie's choice, as well as so many others like her, absolutely heroic."

"I thank our medical team for their care and focus. All I want for is for her to have a long and healthy life, with myself and our children. This is a happy day for our family," he said.

Jolie's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died in 2007 at the age of 56 after battling ovarian cancer for almost a decade.